Vasco da Gama defender Dede plans to leave in the summer, with AC Milan ready to pounce.

Vasco director of football Christian Koehler admits he's likely to go to Europe.

"It will be very difficult for us to keep him over the summer," Koehler told Radio Globo.

"His desire is to go and play elsewhere. At the end of the season I think Dede will leave Vasco.

"We all want him to stay with us, but his desire is clear - he wants to pursue his career elsewhere and get a higher salary."